Rapid development of Xenopus laevis. In vitro fertilized Xenopus eggs can be microinjected with RNA or DNA to promote ectopic gene expression in developing embryos. Within 48 hours, seminal
events such as gastrulation, neurulation and the establishment of a rudimentary neuromuscular system take place, allowing
scientists to dissect the role(s) of individual proteins in a well‐characterized model of early vertebrate development. Using
microinjected Xenopus embryos, many key molecules involved in mesoderm induction, neurogenesis and the establishment of axial polarity have been
identified. Modified from Seidman et al. (1994) Journal of Neurochemistry62: 1670.